[+/- consonantal]

Definition

The feature that is used to account for distinction between segments which have constriction in the vocal tract, [+consonantal], versus those that do not and are thus [-consonantal] (Zsiga, 2013, p. 258). Sounds that are [+cons] have lower amplitude than sounds that are [-cons].

All obstruents, nasals, and liquids are of the natrual class [+consonantal], where vowels and glides are [-consonantal].

Examples

  • Hul’q’umi’num’
    • The following phonemes enclosed in blue are those possibly in the [+consonantal] natural class in Hul’q’umi’num’.
Adapted from Suttles (2003).
  • Skwxwú7mesh
    • The following sounds in Skwxwú7mesh that are enclosed in blue are potentially members of the [+consonantal] natural class.
Adapted from Dyck (2004).
  • Secwepemctsín
    • The following phonemes enclosed in blue are potential members of the [+consonantal] natural class in Secwepemctsín.
Adapted from Gibson (1973).